Delaware Names Lacrosse Team Co-Captains for 2014 Season

NEWARK, Del. -- Seniors Garrett Johnson and James Connelly have been selected as the co-captains for the 2014 University of Delaware men's lacrosse squad, head coach Bob Shillinglaw announced Thursday.

Johnson, a midfielder from Pelham, N.Y. (Pelham High School), and Connelly, a defender from Royersford, Pa. (Malvern Prep) will lead the Blue Hens during the upcoming 2014 season.

The Blue Hens, now in the midst of fall practice sessions, will begin the regular season Feb. 1 vs. High Point at Delaware Stadium. The game will mark the opening of the 2014 season for all collegiate teams and will mark the earliest start in UD history. Delaware will be looking to bounce back from a 5-10 record in 2013 in a hard-luck season that saw the Blue Hens lose five games by a single goal.

In addition to hosting nine regular season games in 2014, Delaware will serve as the host of the NCAA Division I Men's Lacrosse Quarterfinals May 17-18 at the Delaware Stadium.

"Our staff is extremely excited about the team selection of James Connelly and Garrett Johnson as captains for 2014," said Shillinglaw, who will enter his 39th season as a collegiate coach this spring, including his 36th at Delaware. "Both are gifted players who lead by example. Their exceptional leadership skills will help motivate and direct the team with the team's goal of winning the Colonial Athletic Association title and getting back to the NCAA tournament."

The speedy Johnson will look to bounce back from an injury-plagued season in 2013 that saw him compete in just two games. A fifth-year member of the squad and one of the most athletic players in the CAA, Johnson has appeared in 37 career games and recorded four goals, four assists, 62 groundballs, and 15 caused turnovers. He is a wildlife conservation major at Delaware.

Connelly, a fifth-year defenseman, was one of the team's top defensemen a year ago despite missing the first four games of the year with an injury. He bounced back to start each of the final 11 games of the season and recorded two assists, 18 groundballs, and 11 caused turnovers. For his career, he has appeared in 27 career games and registered 34 groundballs and 20 caused turnovers. He is a marketing major at Delaware.